Guests have started to arrive in Venice for the lavish wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. The couple is set to celebrate their union with three days of festivities, with costs estimated between €40 million and €48 million (about £34 million to £41 million).
Originally, the wedding was planned for the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, but due to protests from local residents, the venue has been moved to the Arsenale, a historic 14th-century site surrounded by water. This change comes as the couple faces significant pushback from activists who believe they are unwelcome in the city.
Despite the controversy, many high-profile guests have begun arriving. Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner were spotted taking a water taxi from Venice airport, along with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. Reports indicate that around 250 guests will be accommodated in some of Venice’s most luxurious hotels, including the famous Cipriani.
The wedding’s logistics are impressive, with about 90 private jets expected to land in the area, although not all will arrive directly at Venice airport. Some will use nearby airports in Treviso and Verona. To transport guests around the city, at least 30 water taxis have been arranged, ensuring that attendees will avoid public transport.
The local government has reported that Bezos plans to make significant charitable donations, including €1 million to a consortium focused on studying Venice’s lagoon ecosystem.
The protests against Bezos and Sanchez have been vocal, with activists declaring their opposition to the couple’s presence in Venice. The leader of the "No Space for Bezos" campaign celebrated the change of venue as a victory, promising more demonstrations during the wedding celebrations. They have vowed to make the event challenging for the couple and their guests.
As the wedding approaches, the atmosphere in Venice is charged with excitement and tension, reflecting the stark contrast between the couple’s opulent celebration and the concerns of local residents.